Iron Fist to Join Shang-Chi 2, Potential Recasting Sparks Debate
Published On: March 16th, 2025
Rumors are swirling that Marvel Studios is preparing to reintroduce Iron Fist into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Shang-Chi and the Wreckage of Time, the highly anticipated sequel to 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. According to reports from The Cosmic Circus, the film will not only expand Shang-Chi’s story but also introduce the Agents of Atlas, a team of multicultural heroes, and potentially a new version of Iron Fist. While this news has excited many fans, it has also reignited debates about the character’s controversial past and whether Finn Jones, who portrayed Danny Rand in Netflix’s Iron Fist series, will return to the role.
The rumors suggest that Shang-Chi 2 will delve into the power vacuum left by Wenwu’s death and the rise of Xialing as the new leader of the Ten Rings organization. This shift is expected to draw the attention of the Atlas Foundation, a shadowy group with roots in Genghis Khan’s legacy. The film may also feature the debut of Lin Lie, the current Iron Fist in Marvel Comics, who took up the mantle in 2022. This has led to speculation that Marvel Studios may recast the role, leaving Finn Jones’ future in the MCU uncertain.
For many fans, the potential recasting of Iron Fist is a welcome change. Netflix’s Iron Fist series, which ran for two seasons from 2017 to 2018, is widely regarded as the weakest entry in the Defenders Saga. Critics and audiences alike criticized the show for its slow pacing, lackluster fight choreography, and Finn Jones’ portrayal of Danny Rand. While the second season saw some improvement, the damage to the character’s reputation had already been done.
However, not everyone is ready to say goodbye to Finn Jones. Some fans, myself included, believe that Jones deserved a second chance to prove himself in the role. While the Netflix series was undeniably flawed, Jones’ portrayal of Danny Rand as a naive yet well-meaning hero struggling with his identity and responsibilities showed promise. His chemistry with Jessica Henwick’s Colleen Wing, who briefly wielded the Iron Fist at the end of Season 2, was a highlight of the series. Henwick’s performance was widely praised, and many fans hoped to see her return as a more prominent figure in the MCU.
The decision to potentially recast Iron Fist also touches on broader conversations about cultural representation in the MCU. Some fans have argued that casting a white actor as a martial arts master with mystical powers was culturally inappropriate, especially given the character’s ties to Asian mythology. With the introduction of Shang-Chi, a Chinese superhero with deep roots in martial arts, Marvel has already taken steps to address these concerns. Recasting Iron Fist with an Asian actor, such as Lin Lie, could further align the character with the MCU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
That said, I believe there is value in keeping Danny Rand as a white character, as his outsider status in K’un-Lun and his struggles to reconcile his privilege with his responsibilities added depth to his story. The existence of Shang-Chi in the same universe ensures that the MCU is not lacking in Asian representation, and Danny’s journey could serve as a compelling counterpoint to Shang-Chi’s own narrative.
Finn Jones has expressed interest in returning to the role, particularly in a Heroes for Hire series alongside Mike Colter’s Luke Cage. In a recent interview, Jones highlighted the chemistry between the two characters and the potential for new stories exploring their dynamic. While this remains a possibility, the potential introduction of Lin Lie in Shang-Chi 2 suggests that Marvel Studios may be moving in a different direction.
The reception to these rumors has been mixed. Some fans are excited to see a fresh take on Iron Fist, while others feel that Finn Jones and Danny Rand deserve another chance to shine. Regardless of the outcome, the inclusion of Iron Fist in Shang-Chi 2 is a significant development for the MCU. It not only expands the universe’s mythology but also sets the stage for new heroes and stories to emerge.
As Marvel Studios continues to build its multicultural lineup, the future of Iron Fist remains uncertain. Whether it’s Finn Jones or a new actor stepping into the role, one thing is clear: the Iron Fist’s return will be a defining moment for the MCU. Fans can only hope that Marvel learns from the mistakes of the past and delivers a version of the character that lives up to his comic book legacy.
For now, all eyes are on Shang-Chi and the Wreckage of Time as it gears up for production in the UK. With the promise of new heroes, epic battles, and a deeper exploration of Shang-Chi’s world, the sequel has the potential to be one of Marvel’s most exciting projects yet. And if Iron Fist is indeed part of that journey, his return could mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of Marvel’s most complex and controversial heroes.